First-half defensive battle in LSU-Mississippi State game has everyone surprised

Mississippi State’s 2020 upset of LSU was a high-scoring affair, which saw the Bulldogs memorably coming away with a 44-34 victory in Baton Rouge. Saturday’s game looks radically different.

To everyone’s surprise, it’s a defensive battle in Starkville. Here’s a small sample of fans and media members are reacting to the 7-3 first half in LSU’s favor:

As has been the case every game this year, MSU is leaving a lot of opportunities on the field with the offense.

Get a big interception and come back with a five play drive.

— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulkOn3) September 25, 2021

In the red zone, LSU went to their traditional four-man front. State drive bogged down inside the ten and a FG was kicked. Will be interesting to see if the Tigers stick with that four-man front moving forward. State offense has stopped itself so far today.

— Steve Robertson (@ScoutSteveR) September 25, 2021

Well I didn’t expect a defensive battle to breakout here at Starkville, but that’s what we have. #LSU 7-3, 4:16 left in the 2nd qtr.

— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) September 25, 2021

I’ll be honest. LSU/ Mississippi state are neither one really good.

— RobSoundsGood (@RobSoundsGood) September 25, 2021

This Mississippi State/LSU game is like watching paint dry

— Cade Tolliver (@CadeTolliver97) September 25, 2021

LSU and Mississippi State are indeed playing a game of football and that’s about all I can say

— Riley (@Ri_S_OB) September 25, 2021

#LSU totals 113 yards of total offense to Mississippi State's 205 yards. Those two turnovers have proven costly…

— Crissy Froyd (@crissy_froyd) September 25, 2021

7-3 at the half. Prayers for those who we were courageous enough to bet the over.

— Justin M. Strawn (@JustinMStrawn) September 25, 2021

LSU just held a Mike Leach offense, on the road, to 3 points.

RT if you had MSU penciled in for more#LSU

— Brian Holland (@BHollandSports) September 25, 2021

After that opening TD drive (which keep in mind came after a defensive turnover), LSU has gone punt, punt, INT, punt. OL continues to struggle both in pass protection and run game. Johnson underthrowing some passes.

Not a pretty sight, but MSU also has a very good defense. #LSU https://t.co/ck681zucF7

— Brody Miller (@BrodyAMiller) September 25, 2021

Mississippi State is out-gaining the LSU offense but hasn’t been able to turn that production into points. Running Mike Leach’s Air Raid, Will Rogers is 23-of-28 for 160 yards but with an interception. LSU QB Max Johnson is 9-of-16 for 87 yards with a touchdown to Kayshon Boutte and an interception. MSU’s first-drive fumble helped set up LSU’s touchdown.

SDS Staff

Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.